Leonardo Boutique Hotel Jerusalem

In Jerusalem, there seems to be a relatively new trend developing. Many large residential projects, especially in the city center, have elected to convert under-used areas into boutique hotels. 7 Rav Kook's StayKook Suites is one such example, while neighboring Bayit Banevi'im has its Litov Hotel. A bit further down the street is Haneviim Boutique, with its very own boutique hotel on the ground level. And now, Hanevi'im Court, one of the largest projects in the area, has a boutique hotel to match, with a whopping 70 rooms. Not only that, unlike the other projects which tend to be individually owned and operated, this hotel is part of the Leonardo chain. Set to open before the year's end, this property will be known as the Leonardo Boutique. In addition, while the other hotels offer mainly rooms and not much else, this hotel will be fully equipped, with an impressive lobby, cafe, meeting rooms, and spa treatments. The hotel will also have a restaurant, "serving fabulous meals courtesy of the chef" (their words, not ours). The design is interesting, too. The lobby features a stark metal floating staircase not unlike that of Pierre Lissoni's landmark Mamilla Hotel, and the restaurant is daring too, with emerald green a primary color in the space. Unfortunately, the guestrooms look pretty bland, with beige walls, black headboards, and a yellow chair for a pop of color. No word on rates, yet, which you know is the most important part.

Summer Hotel Lovin'

It's officially summer, and that means that it's time to head up North for some relaxing. Or maybe it's the beach you prefer. Being a reader of IsraelGuest, you must be a discerning traveler, so you'd probably like to go for a brand-new hotel. If it's not the Setai we told you about last time, we've got two more options: the U Boutique Kinneret Hotel and the West Lagoon Netanya, both recent openers ready to host your summer getaway.

First, the U Boutique is located just north of downtown Tiberias, directly across the street from sister property Leonardo Tiberias and adjacent to the popular Decks restaurant. The 60-room hotel is just steps from the water and offers a private beach for hotel guests. The hotel also boasts a lovely outdoor pool set amidst towering palm trees and green lawns, and a spa. As this is a rare new construction for the Fattal chain, the hotel's design is particularly forward-thinking, especially in the bright and airy guestrooms with oversized windows looking over the sea. While the patterned black and white wallpaper in the bedrooms, bright blue reception, and cheery yellow couches in the lobby might be taste-specific, the overall vibe is beachy, casual, and fun. More importantly, we found rates for $252 for a superior room, although we'd definitely try to snag a balcony room if possible.

Feeling Netanya more than Tiberias? We don't blame you. This seaside city has been burgeoning in the past few years, with a great variety of new hotels to choose from. West Lagoon, the newest, and largest property to open recently, with 273 rooms, also has appealing amenities, including an outdoor half-Olympic size pool, a children's pool, a tanning and relaxation balcony, and a two-story spa with seven treatment rooms, a gym, steam room, sauna, and Turkish hammam. Other features include a conference center, business lounge, and fine-dining restaurant. All rooms feature balconies with sweeping sea views, and the smallest of rooms are still a generous 28 meters, with a full working desk and sitting area, although the way to go is the Presidential Suite, an 86 meter residence with a living room, kitchenette, dining area, and separate bedroom. Rates are an affordable $299 for a deluxe premium room. We're ready for some fun in the sun!